After a brief illness, Helen Fabi Smagorinsky passed away on April 11, 2020. She is predeceased by her parents, Connie and Joe Fabi, and her adored grandchild, Nicole Sidoti. She is survived by her life-partner of over 65 years, and the love of her life, Mel, and her wonderful children: Susan Kubik and husband Mick Kubik, Sandra Sidoti, and David Smagorinsky. She has been graced with six terrific grandchildren: Shaina Sidoti and her partner Michael Zazzaro, Emma Kubik, Jackson Kubik, Noah Smagorinsky, Ari Smagorinsky, and two great-grandchildren: Zoe Zazzaro and Michael Zazzaro, sister Joyce Gollel and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Born in Rochester, NY, in 1933, and graduating from SUNY Brockport in 1955, Helen became an elementary school teacher, teaching in Long Island, Michigan and Hilton, NY. In her fifties she became a folk artist and was represented by many galleries, as well as being included in numerous books, calendars and magazines, even appearing in the PBS documentary by Ken Burns titled “Baseball.”
Helen was fortunate to be able to travel extensively with her husband and family – living in England and experiencing amazing places including Greece, France, Belgium, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands.
Helen’s advice is to “keep laughing, hug your family, support your community, schools and teachers, read to your children, protect the environment, and VOTE BLUE! I had a wonderful life. Peace!”
There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date. Contributions can be made to The Brockport Foundation, SUNY Brockport, or The Memorial Art Gallery, Rochester, NY.
